DOVER- Hundreds of anxious skiers and riders came to Mount Snow on November 9 through 11 to enjoy a preseason terrain park set up on the resort’s learning hill. They helped raised a total of more than $8,000 from lift ticket sales and donations with all proceeds going toward those affected by Superstorm Sandy. The fundraising event was held a little more than a year after the ski resort opened the same trail and chairlift in an effort to raise money to help North Star Bowl in Wilmington recover from damages sustained during Tropical Storm Irene.

Lift tickets were $10 per day and season pass holders were able to ride for free but many made cash donations anyway. Officials from the resort worked with the Deerfield Valley Rotary Club which will, in turn, connect with Rotary Clubs down-country to make sure the funds are distributed properly.

License plates from as far south as Ohio and Pennsylvania were spotted in the parking lot, which Mount Snow sees as a sign of enthusiasm for the forthcoming winter.

“This is the fourth year we’ve had a preseason rail garden on Launch Pad and it’s always a great atmosphere out there because people are just happy to be on snow,” said director of operations Dave Moulton. “It’s great to see so many people come out and support those that need it while getting an early season snowsport fix.”

Mount Snow’s snowmaking crews are covering the mountain with snow every opportunity they get in an effort to open for the 2012/2013 winter season.

The resort plans to open Thanksgiving weekend with top-to-bottom skiing and riding for all ability levels. For the most up-to-date information on snow conditions, events, and deals visit www.mountsnow.com.

Stratton set to go

STRATTON- Stratton’s snowmakers are hard at work, with over 100 hours of snowmaking on the clock and more to come over the next week. New energy-efficient land and tower guns and expanded snowmaking, along with extensive glade and trail maintenance, will get Stratton’s trails ready for the season’s first tracks next week.

The opening celebration marks the day skiers have been waiting for since last March – the beginning of what will be, by all accounts, a cold and snowy winter.

From November 21 to 24, Stratton Mountain will be busy with winter events and traditions:

November 21 was the anticipated opening day of the mountain’s trails and lifts.

The seventh annual Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K Fun Run is on November 22. Family, friends, and pets are encouraged to don a funny costume and earn a Thanksgiving feast at this 5K run around the resort. Race starts at 9 am at the Village Clocktower; registration information on Stratton.com.

The Village Rail Jam is on November 24. An annual tradition, the Village Rail Jam is the first terrain competition of the season and takes place in the heart of the Stratton Village. Skiers and riders compete for a cash prize, swag, and bragging rights. Jam starts at 2 pm; register from noon to 1 pm at the Burton Store.

Opening fireworks will be on November 24. Watch from the base area, watch from Grizzly’s, wherever you choose, just grab a seat before the show starts at 9 pm.

There will be live music at Grizzly’s on November 23 and 24. Grizzly’s is known for its live music and après-ski scene, and opening weekend is no different. Beyond Further performs Friday night, 3 to 6 pm, while Saturday’s musical highlights are The Lustre Kings (3 to 6 pm) and DJ Joe Bell (9:30 pm to 1 am).

More events are scheduled through the weekend, including specials in the Stratton Village, family activities and ceremonies to Ullr, the Norse Snow God. See the full schedule at Stratton.com/events.